Session One

9:50am-10:40am

Active Listening and Contemplative Prayer

Phil Fox Rose

Two offerings define Underhill House: contemplative prayer in a quiet space; and active listening, honoring others with your full presence as an expression of divine love - core to spiritual direction. Both are perhaps more needed than ever. We'll explore them through the lens of Evelyn Underhill's work, with hands-on practice, and discuss how to incorporate them into your spiritual community and daily life.

168

Creating a Place for the Healing of Ourselves, the Healing of our Divisions, and the Healing of Creation, Itself

Dan Oberg

Carla Robinson

Adrienne Elliot

Rachel Taber-Hamilton

Learn about the Vision for The Sacred Waters Center, presented by facilitators from Multicultural Ministries, Circles of Color, Creation Care and St. Andrew's House. Open dialogue about what this special place can become and how parishes can partner with and benefit from this wonderful new missional opportunity.

264

Faithful Advocacy for These Times

Elizabeth Dickinson

Joyce del Rosario

Our faith-filled voices for justice and compassion in the halls of power make a difference!
This workshop equips you to advocate, with a focus on the safety net programs that are at risk in Washington through federal and state budget decisions--especially the proposed devastating cuts to Medicaid and SNAP food assistance. We will update you on these programs, share how to communicate your values effectively, and practice in real time. We will also begin to create a network of mutual support by sharing stories of what values and relationships energize you and your congregation.

156

Let's Talk About God - A Sunday Morning Formation Program

Mike Mayor

Sandi Carter

Let's Talk About God ("LTAG") is a program started at Christ Church two years ago that has burgeoned into a pillar of our Adult Christian Formation. LTAG meets bi-weekly during the summer and fall for open-ended conversation in which no topic is off limits and no expertise is required. It has deepened the discipleship of our members and bolstered all the other Christian Formation programs that are offered.

266

Queer Compline: Liturgy by and for the LGBTQ+ Community

Hannah Brenlan

Querent Marshall

Atlas Turner

Elliott Thorne

We want to share about Queer Compline, a monthly evening prayer service by and for the LGBTQ+ community. We will have our third anniversary this fall and want to share resources with other congregations that may be interested in doing something similar.

274

Spirituality of the Child

Joy Studer

Children are not empty vessels waiting to be filled. They come to us with an awareness of God. In this workshop we will dive into what is Children Spirituality and how we can best nurture the spiritual life of each individual. Let's shift our mindsets around what we believe we know and be open to the wonder that children share with us just by being who they already are.

152

The Deacon's Ministry in the Church and World

Barbra Weza

What is the role of a Deacon? An overview of the role of a deacon and how deacons serve in many ways to be a bridge between the church and the world. We will also share some of the ministries around the Diocese.

270

What Is a Benedictine Oblate Anyway? Living With One Foot in the Monastery and the Other in the Church

Emily Licastro

Join a local oblate-in-training with the oldest Episcopal Religious Order in the country, the Community of St Mary, Southern Province, to learn about this ancient yet contemporary path for lay people who are called to a deeper connection to monastic life, out in the world. Based on the Rule of St Benedict, oblates typically complete 1-2 years of formation and discernment with a specific monastery or convent before making a lifetime commitment to live and serve as an auxiliary member of the community.

160

What's Up With Palestine?

Nicole Silvernale

Ruthie Ewald

Anna Murano

Matty Lauder

This workshop will provide space to learn about topics related to Palestine. We will discuss Christian nationalism, historical apartheid, and settler colonialism. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, explore ideas, and reflect on how their Christian faith connects to liberation in the Holy Land. The session will include facilitated small groups discussing resources from Palestinian Christians and Christians seeking a free Palestine, to promote thoughtful conversation, learning, and connection.

166

Episcopal Church Ecumenism 101

Elise Johnstone

278

Session Two

11:00am-11:50am

Children Are Not the Future of the Church: What Meaningful Participation Looks Like

Wendy Claire Barrie

Since 1970, The Episcopal Church has been having lively conversations about the meaningful participation of children in the liturgy and life of the congregation, but many of us are still--talking about it rather than doing it. The theological arguments and the longitudinal research about why this matters not only to children but to the flourishing of the entire community are compelling. Let's talk honestly about barriers to the incorporation of children and youth and how we can recognize and engage them as active members of the Body of Christ.

266

Leading in Uncertain Times - Practices to Grow and Sustain As Leaders

Jennifer Pancholi

This workshop will explore how we can grow and sustain ourselves as leaders, in the various ways we lead, in times of uncertainty. In the midst of change and challenge, knowing and centering in our values becomes especially important. We also can be supported by learning to integrate and use all of the sources of wisdom available to us through our minds, hearts, bodies and spirits. In particular, we will explore and reflect on how we can attune to the wisdom of our bodies as we lead, both to be more effective and to sustain ourselves.

152

Mentoring, for Ministry, Life and More

Jim Schmotzer

Mentoring is an excellent way to train future leaders, Vestry members, children’s workers, committee members, and others in most areas of the congregational setting.

160

MythBusters for The Order of Daughters of the King

Roberta Newell

Does a women's group still have relevance? Find out from a panel of Daughters of The King how our three Rules are implemented through chapters in parishes. Women seeking more depth in their spirituality engage in a discernment process before taking vows of Prayer, Service, and Evangelism. Evangelism in a post-colonial world means that Daughters of The King, women "live out...a relationship with Jesus. through words and deeds" to newcomers, the ill, and those in crisis. Women in the Daughters of the King strive to heed the call of the Holy Spirit and become "reflections of God's love in the world."

264

Pan-African Ministries Updates

Mary Bol

The Rev. Mary Bol will share the inspiring work that is happening in various African congregations in our Diocese. She will talk about the South Sudanese community and the Kenyan community and the essential work of African priests in our Diocese. She will highlight the international ties between the African congregations here and their homelands and ways we can support these connections.

274

Real Protection for the Daily Walk

Stina Pope

Trauma Tapping Technique (TTT) is a proven response for emotional regulation in the face of disasters, both large and small. When something happens, we are caught unaware, don't know what to do, and we often freeze. This simple-to-learn technique can be used by children and adults to self-regulate. It allows the leader to protect themselves as well as offer the difficult person and everyone around them a calming response. Used in places like Rwanda and refugee camps (very multi-lingual and high trauma), I have personally used TTT in multi-lingual K-5 classes with children in trouble. You will leave the workshop knowing how to do this for yourself and others.

156

Reading Aloud Effectively

Melissa Semmes-Thorne

Reading scripture aloud is challenging! This workshop is a demonstration of seminars designed to help lectors read scripture aloud more effectively for their own ease and for the congregation's increased understanding. The discussion will include tools and techniques to use in preparing a reading, along with a conversation on the idiosyncrasies of reading scripture. The goal is not to teach them how to read (they already know how to do that!) but to make it easier to express the text more effectively, thus enhancing appreciation and comprehension for both the reader and the congregation.

166

Solar and Churches: Navigating Grants, Technical Support, and the Journey Toward a Greener Future

Kendall Haynes

This workshop will provide a practical introduction to the steps congregations can in exploring the addition of solar to their properties. Specific topics include what solar is and how it works, how to navigate grants and federal tax credits, how obtain technical support, and how solar can transfer the mission of a congregation, both within the community and in the surrounding neighborhood.

168

Aaron Scott

In the last four months, over 700 anti-trans bills have been introduced in the American legislative system. The impact of this coordinated policy violence against trans and nonbinary people has far reaching consequences on our rights, lives, and thriving. In this workshop we'll discuss key ways Episcopalians can faithfully engage in the effort to defend and uphold the dignity of trans and nonbinary people.

Aaron Scott (he/him) has served as the co-founder of Chaplains on the Harbor, as a member of the National Steering Committee of the Poor People's Campaign, and presently as The Episcopal Church's first-ever Gender Justice Officer for the Presiding Bishop's Staff. 

278

Understanding Across Difference: Intercultural Conflict Style

Stephen Crippen

The Intercultural Conflict Style (ICS) tool is helpful for churches—especially in today’s diverse and often polarized society—because it assists leaders and members in understanding how cultural differences affect communication and conflict resolution. By recognizing varying approaches to directness, emotional expression, and problem-solving, churches can foster deeper empathy, reduce misunderstandings, and create more inclusive, unified communities that reflect the body of Christ. This tool equips churches to navigate tension with grace and cultural awareness, which is essential for ministry and reconciliation in a divided world.

270

Session Three

1:20pm-2:10pm

Addressing Homelessness: Advocacy and Outreach

Lizbeth Adams

Elizabeth Maupin

Tina Polf

Cris Blair

The workshop will focus on strategies that parishes can use to reduce the suffering of our unhoused neighbors. We will discuss how to be political advocates for policy changes pertaining to affordable housing, fair rent practices, and the de-criminalization of homelessness. We will describe outreach ministries throughout the diocese that serve as models of compassionate care for the unhoused. And finally, we will present a brief overview of Companionship Training which helps develop, guide and sustain the work of parishioners engaged in outreach ministries.

264

Bridging Generations, Bringing Hope

Janet Waggoner

Almost universally, congregations believe that attracting younger members is essential. How important is this, really? What are the barriers to successful connection across generations? What are the benefits?
My focus group research in congregations across the country yielded significant data on the role, meaning and potential of intergenerational relationships in Episcopal congregations. This interactive workshop brings this research from my doctoral project into dialogue with your parish life. Come discern your next steps in ministry across generations.

266

Celebrating Congregations With Part-Time Clergy and Engaged Congregations

Kim McNamara

Tina Hudson

Is your congregation guided by a part-time or non-stipendiary clergy member along with an engaged congregation? If so, your congregation is identified as "bivocational" and is part of a rapidly growing community of innovative and creative Episcopal churches around the country. We invite you to meet with other bivocational congregations from the diocese of Olympia to share your ministry model and the roles congregation members have taken on, as well as the experiences and wisdom you have encountered along the way. By sharing our mutual bivocational ministries with each other, we hope to foster a community of learning and celebration.

274

El Salvador, Only One Liberation

Paul Moore

David Alvarado

Tarrah Palm

Josefina Beecher

Convinced that the liberation of El Salvador and the liberation of the United States are one and the same, this workshop will introduce participants to the social, spiritual and political climate in El Salvador, the work of Cristosal and the Anglican Diocese of El Salvador, and opportunities to walk in solidarity with sibling pilgrims as we journey toward that liberation together.

370

Hoping for the Best, Planning for the Worst: Basics of Emergency Planning

Erik Bauer

Washington has beautiful forests, beaches, lakes, and other natural features. How can congregations prepare for flooding, earthquakes, tsunamis, fire, power outages, and zombie outbreaks, among other things? Planning for when things go wrong can save time and energy (mental and physical) and set priorities for what should be saved before and after an emergency. This session will explore fundamental strategies for embracing and conquering emergency planning to benefit congregations and the wider community. There will also be time at the end for a Q&A.

152

Holistic Ministry: The Role of the Church in Poverty Eradication

Simon Thiongo

Good News to a hungry person might only be food. Who should feed them?

Using the “Jesus model," we must feed the physical body first, and then listening will follow. This model has proven to be among the
most effective ways to share Christ's love in Kenya.

In Family Empowerment Ministries, Kenya, we have used farming as a tool to share the gospel, with tremendous results. We look forward to sharing what we have seen working.

By the end of the workshop, I would like participants to know that we all have a role to play in helping less fortunate people.

156

Making Space for Neurodiversity in our Church Roundtable

Naomi Woodrum

Megan McInnis

Nicole Silvernale

We all process, experience, and learn in different ways. We all encounter neurodiverse communities on a regular basis--whether at work, school, church, or within our own families. 
So, how are we being intentional in our church services and ministries in making sure we welcome these differences and allow people to fully participate in the life of the church?

This workshop will be a roundtable format where we invite you to come and share your experiences, wonderings, and ideas about how we can make space for neurodiversity in our churches.

160

The Role of A Cultural Interpreter in the Discernment Process for Ordination

Rachel Taber-Hamilton

This workshop will present the definition and the role that a Cultural Interpreter can play within each step of the institutional pathway of discernment in congregational and diocesan processes. The presentation will consider the skills and experience necessary for identifying Cultural Interpreters, along with a description of the methodology of Cultural Interpretation and outline for equipping/orienting those who are interested to serve in the role of a Cultural Interpreter within their congregational or diocesan setting.

168

The Sacred Spiral of Organizing

Steve Jerbi

Joey Lopez

The Church Council of Greater Seattle and The Organizing for Mission Network use an organizing spiral as our theory of change, working to build collective power to create a world that reflects our values.

Using the foundations of deep relationships and grassroots leadership, organizing spiral helps congregations and communities in a path of listening, learning, acting and celebrating. OFMN uses this model to train congregations and leaders in the fundamentals of community organizing. CCGS follows the spiral in their work with immigrant solidarity, the Faith Land Initiative, and the Seattle Budget Roundtable.

This workshop will give specific examples and concrete actions to help weave together communities.

270

Zimzum Discipleship: Making space in our busy lives.

Phil LaBelle

Our Zimzum Discipleship program begins in earnest this month with our first full video on the Sabbath. If we are truly going to make space in our lives to connect with God, others, and the created world, it has to be more than just an afternoon every so often. God calls us each week to a day of rest and renewal.

166

Session Four

2:30pm-3:20pm

Creation Justice Roundtable

Adrienne Elliott

John Kydd

Kristin Daley-Mosier

Join other Creation Care enthusiasts for a time of connection and sharing! We will look ahead to the Season of Creation and environmental justice efforts with our faith communities, debrief Love God Love God's World curriculum participation, and discuss upcoming diocesan climate-related opportunities and resources to enhance congregational faith formation.

264

Diverse Voices: Developing Preaching Teams for the Congregation

Britt Olson

Dr. Kate Rae Davis

How do we hear and share the good news? Many congregations rely primarily on one preacher. This workshop will assist you in identifying potential preachers from within your community. There will be ideas for training and nurturing their gifts. We will also discuss the wisdom of having a variety of voices and styles in a preaching team.

274

Get to Know The Church Council of Greater Seattle

Joey Lopez

Founded in 1919, the Church Council of Greater Seattle has acted as a direct service incubator, ecumenical convener, and faith-based advocacy and community organizing hub. Today, the Council builds collective power through faith-rooted community organizing for transformational change toward liberation and justice. Come learn about the current work of the Church Council – our Faith Land Initiative, Immigration Organizing and Sanctuary Network, and our City of Seattle Budget Organizing. We also want to hear from you: What organizing would you like to see the Church Council doing in Seattle and King County?!?

152

Godly Play for Grownups

Sue Thompson

Godly Play is an outstanding children's Sunday School curriculum; it creates sacred space, tells Bible stories, and asks excellent questions as children begin/continue developing their faith journey. We grownups have faith journeys, too, and those same stories and questions can offer us insight (sometime answers) on our spiritual journey as well.

160

Potluck Project: How Congregations Can Build Relationships and Trust One Neighborhood at a Time

Terry Kyllo

What can we do to respond to the crises facing our nation and our world. Our tradition inspires both urgent action and long-term work to participate in God's Kingdom on earth. Paths to Understanding offers a toolkit to support local congregations to meet the epidemic of loneliness and group segregation in our nation. This epidemic is creating a loss of trust that is fueling many of the dynamics of our time. Relationships across groups, according to the Rippel Foundation, create the foundation for every other vital condition of our society. Just as Jesus brought people together for table fellowship, our Potluck Project toolkit can help you bring groups in your neighborhood together.

278

Short Form Videos

Elizabeth Riley

Bring your cell phone and get ready to try out video editing! I'll walk you through the basics on platforms like Instagram and TikTok so you can get started sharing short videos on social media. We'll chat about the benefits of digital evangelism and brainstorm ways to use these tools.

168

Walking the Camino de Santiago: A Pilgrimage Experience

Robert Otto

Every person’s Camino is their own: unique, challenging, full of surprise and occasional frustration. After walking for 515 miles and 6 weeks (the last week with his young adult daughter), Robert will share about his experience on the Camino de Santiago and offer pointers for planning your own pilgrimage. Topics will include the various routes to Santiago de Compostela, gear, and how to prepare spiritually, mentally and physically.

266

White Christian Nationalism: What It Is, What It Means to Us, How We Can Respond

Nigel Taber-Hamilton 

I will provide historical context, definitions, relate to the Doctrine of Discovery, describe WCNs characteristics & share some of it's materials, offer/invite strategies to respond.

166

Building Trust in Uncertain Times: The Trust Triangle

Ivar Hillesland

In a world marked by division, uncertainty, and growing mistrust, the Church is called to be a beacon of hope, unity, and integrity. But how can we lead and serve effectively if trust is broken or fragile within our communities?

Join me for a workshop exploring the Trust Triangle by Frances Frei and Anne Morriss—a useful framework that we use at the College for Congregational Development that identifies three essential pillars of trust with guidance for strengthening them. Through guided reflection, real-life examples, and interactive discussion, we’ll uncover how this tool can empower leadership, deepen relationships, and restore trust where it’s been lost so that we might better reflect Christ’s love in action.

156